When it comes to New England winters, we all have the same concern: snow removal. We all want it removed from our driveways and walkways and often use rock salt to help expedite the melting process. However, one problem that might not be on most people’s minds is the damage rock salt may cause to our yard’s grass and soil. It’s hard to justify these thoughts while the grass is buried underfoot after foot of snow, but any Massachusetts landscaping company can tell you that the excess rock salt does not melt with the snow, and it is damaging your yard.
It has to go somewhere.
Every time it snows, the snow covering your driveway and walkways is shoveled or plowed by your Massachusetts landscaping company. The snow is likely piled up on the edge of your yard, where it sits until it melts. New England has been getting hammered with snowstorm after snowstorm. It is pretty safe to assume a decent amount of rock salt is also sitting in that pile. When the snow melts, the salt will settle in the soil and absorb moisture in the earth.
When the soil loses moisture, so does the surrounding grass, flowers, trees, and other plants. In some cases, the salt can work its way into groundwater and taint waterways. Water run-off also presents this danger. Tainted water can affect freshwater plants and fish. Luckily, environmentally friendly alternatives are becoming more popular. For example, sand is safer for your landscape. It does not melt snow and ice as quickly as salt does, but it absorbs sunlight and reflects the beams, so it will indeed melt. Sand also provides the same traction that salt offers. In some cases, kitty litter is a quick and safe alternative as well. Both of these options can be easily swept away when the snow melts and the land dries up.
Eco-friendly salt is also being developed and used instead of typical rock salt. You can reduce the risk to your yard using a minimal amount of salt on your driveway and walkways. Your Massachusetts landscaping company will thank you in the spring.
When you are looking for a company you can trust, turn to Cataldo Landscaping Inc. We have been among Massachusetts’ top landscaping companies since 1978. We guarantee your satisfaction with our services. Give us a call at 781-304-8900 to see what we can do for you.